Uncommon Champions: Fifteen Athletes Who Battled Back

Just in time for the 2022 Winter Olympics, here is a motivating collection of true stories from athletes, including many former Olympians, who have faced incredible adversity—proving that integrity and honor are not entirely missing from the playing fields.

Readers will learn about blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer, who scaled the heights of Mount McKinley; sprinter Gail Devers, who returned from a life-threatening illness to defend her Olympic title... and more. Despite challenges, each of these stars found the heart and stamina to persevere. With themes of resilience and grit, this inspirational book includes a foreword by noted former baseball player and coach Bobby Valentine, with additional stories from the following athletes:

Michelle Akers: The Fire Within
Ruben Gonzalez: Street Survivor
Jim Eisenreich: This Is Who I Am
John Lucas: One on One
Mansour Bahrami: For the Love of the Game
Greg LeMond: Making a New Plan
Diana Golden Brosnihan: Gliding on the Edge
Chris Zorich: Zora’s Gift
Zina Garrison: No One Is Perfect
Bob Welch: Living One Day at a Time
Willie O’Ree: Breaking the Barriers
Dan O’Brien: No Sure Thing
Jean Driscoll: Don’t Look Back